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E46 (1999 - 2006) The fourth generation 3 Series (E46 chassis) was introduced in 1999 and set the standard for engineering and performance during it's years of production including being named to Car & Driver's 10 best list every one of those years! ! -- View the E46 Wiki

I posted a thread the 1 series and M3 forums to gauge peoples interest on actually driving their car on a road trip. As expected a mix bag of replies but I figured what the heck, start a thread and begin planning.

If you have never been to Yellowstone, this is one of those bucket list items. Therefore, no hemming and hawing about going just do it, as you will have a blast. You bought the car to drive it, so drive it. (sorry had to throw in a soap box moment as there will be post here saying that is too far for me to drive. Just watch ;-)

I would like to ask the forum admins to leave this here if possible to see if we can actually pull a group together.

To make life easy I would say use Bimmerforums as the "central" post spot for groups to arrange caravans. I will be posting this to all the major BMW forums and a few none BMW ones. Please feel free to copy this over to threads as I only hit what I linked below.

[b]Here is an idea of the dates and game plan for everyone:[/b[

June 9th, 2013 – Drive to West Yellowstone for base camp (drive solo or in group)
June 10th – 12th, 2013 – See Yellowstone park (if you have a time crunch 2 days is the MINUM need to see most of the highlights in the park.)
June 13th, 2013 – Check out and travel to see the Grand Tetons.
June 13th, 2013 – Check into Jackson Wyoming
June 14th, 2013 – Travel home

This is a year out so some there is time to flesh out some things. I already have the places to stay in mind but 1 year out for booking is a bit much. I would will work on group rates on lodging as we get closer to the event.

Here are some sample images of the visit my wife and I did in 2011 in our 2006 E90.

You'll have fun, we just got back. Don't expect any high-speed fun in the park...great curvy roads but low speed limits and lot's of traffic. When in Jackson might I suggest the Antler's Motel? Old 50's place nicely preserved, right downtown and $98/night. Be sure and eat/drink at the Silver Dollar Bar in the old hotel.

You'll have fun, we just got back. Don't expect any high-speed fun in the park...great curvy roads but low speed limits and lot's of traffic. When in Jackson might I suggest the Antler's Motel? Old 50's place nicely preserved, right downtown and $98/night. Be sure and eat/drink at the Silver Dollar Bar in the old hotel.

Cool thanks for the info. We will see how it goes. Already getting flack from people on the other threads. UG.

My bucket list isnt that specific I have been looking at 308 gts's (cheap), 355's etc. When Im ready to pull the trigger on it theres a dealer in nevada I will be going thru so I figured Id do a nice road trip in the process.

Just be ready for the maintenance cost on those. Anything pre F360 is a lot to keep running. My driving buddy has a 355 Vert and the it is at the shop a lot for normal maintenance and the usual aging issues. If you knew about all that already then sorry to be a repeat. Good luck and share pics

Spend only 1 day in Yellowstone hitting the major sites. I am working on a photo-opp at Old Faithful but this is a long shot. If we are able to pull, it off there may be a cost in order to secure event insurance, which fingers crossed, will allow us to have the shoot. If not we will find another park venue.

Spend two days in the Grand Tetons as a group seeing the sights.

That is the current update on planning. Dates are still being figured out as we are trying to be in and out of all the areas before the crowds. Mid / Late June still looks to be the target date as this will avoid the major crowds.

Would it be fun seeing a new area and meeting new BMW people. OH HELL YAH!
There are lots of opportunities for a whole lot of fun. New places to eat. New roads to take. New memories to take home.
Bring plenty of film or SD cards.

Just wanted to bump the thread and let everyone know I should have the full details for this event in the next few weeks. I have been getting feedback from people as well as trying to find the right balance for people that have been to this area before and people who have not.

First item: I have gotten some flak from people on the different forms for putting this on as well as asking people to only post if they were going or at least seriously interested. I am not being paid to do this nor am I asking for money. I am doing this because I love to drive and seem to be one of the few people out in the community willing to take on such a headache. All I ask is if you are going to post on this thread, please be serious about attending. Just posting to say "say not for me" or "to far" makes the thread long and does not add value. Thank you.

Second item: There is no way I can please everyone for this event and nor am I trying to do so. I have done my best to make an event that balances the areas I felt were important.

Being able to see the sights you have not seen as well as take your ride on a drive you normally would never do.

Being able to drive the car in a fun manner at some points to "stretch its legs".

Make a successful event that we can have move across North America to see the sights.

Dates of the event

June 24-28 – for meet and group activities. If you include driving to base camp it would be June 22nd – June 30th possibly depending on location you are starting from.

Base camp will be West Yellowstone. There is plenty of lodging, parking and activities for a hopefully big group. I will be working on group rates at the first of the year for everyone.

June 24th, 2013 - Yellowstone park North loop

June 25th, 2013 – Yellowstone park South Loop

June 26th, 2013 – Beartooth Pass drive. (This will be the drive day and will make for some great roads. This will be a LONG day, as we will cover some miles)

June 27th, 2013 – Leave West Yellowstone and travel to Jackson WY
- Explore Grand Tetons during the day on the way to Jackson WY

We are in the oldest national park in the world so we will be seeing the sights and doing some walking around. In addition, a few others and I are trying to arrange some group photo shots at the parks attractions. I have included one day for just pure driving for those who are interested.

What will this cost me to go?

You will be responsible for fuel, lodging, food, park fees and anything else you might want to do. The only fee that is 100% for sure is the $25 for a 7 day pass which allows you to see both Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

If I get enough people interested, I could have some removable decals made to be placed on the side of the car to be like we are on a rally event. If you want me to look into these costs, let me know on the form above.

This sounds LAME!

I know some of you have posted you hated Yellowstone and would just do the Grand Teton or you just want to hall ass around all day seeing what your car can do. Sorry this is not the place to do that. The best explanation I can say why this is not lame is because you are going on a ROAD TRIP, which to me has always been a reason to go to places. This also is a continental wide event that hopefully will be the first of many more to come. Therefore, if you still think this is a lame idea then I wish you a safe summer in your adventures.

Currently I have four cars from Sacramento area 100% going. In addition, I know of a few in Montana that will be attending. This means we have about eight cars ranging from BMW, Audi, Ferrari and Lotus already attending.

If you wish to email me directly my email is norcal.drivers@gmail.com. Please make sure to let me know you are asking about Yellowstone as I organize many drives for the NorCal enthusiasts.